Research project to investigate carbon capture potential

Research project to investigate carbon capture potential

6th Dec 12:07

Carbon dioxide emissions released by a Scottish power station could be pumped into coastal sandstone following a £2.5 million research project, the Scotsman has reported.

The project, a joint venture between ScottishPower and Edinburgh University, aims to investigate the possibility of pumping liquefied carbon dioxide into subsea rocks, where the gas is expected to dissolve, creating fizzy salt water.

The Longannet power station is to be the site of the study, with carbon dioxide emissions to be pumped one mile underneath the River Forth. It is thought to be the largest emitter of greenhouse gases in Scotland.

"This is like reversing oil production - instead of pumping liquids out of the ground, we aim to inject liquids back into the rock, like filling up a sponge," said Edinburgh University geology professor Stuart Haszeldine.

According to the researchers, the carbon capture and storage process, has the potential to cut carbon dioxide emissions by 90 per cent.

Old oil and gas fields, including ones located in the North Sea, make ideal "natural containers" for carbon capture and storage, the University of Edinburgh's School of GeoSciences has said.